Boca Raton is a city on the east coast of Florida between West Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale. The name is Spanish for "Mouse Mouth" (although the Chamber of Commerce [4] tries to give less plausible alternative explanations of the meaning), which presumably comes from the shape of an inlet when the town was founded.

Boca, as it's known by locals, started growing in earnest in the 1920s, with the help of fanciful nouveau-riche architect Addison Mizner, who also helped design Palm Beach, 30 some miles north. Much of downtown was (and is being) built in "Addison Mizner-style" architecture, using distinctive bright orange and more subdued pinks in its Old Spanish theme with a touch of Venice.

Boca's long history of catering to the well-to-do has given it a snobbish reputation, but looking deeper one can find many terrific features that can be enjoyed on any budget. The city is very safe and enjoys a much higher standard of living than many of its neighbors, giving it a well manicured appearance with many amenities. Moreover, visitors can appreciate the limited nightlife and great beaches any time of year as the city consistently enjoys comfortable weather.

Get in

By air

Fort Lauderdale International Airport [5], FLL, large airport 20 miles south of Boca in Fort Lauderdale. This is the more preferred airport over Miami and is accessible by any of the transportations. Shuttles are usually available from airports and taxis are common.

Palm Beach International Airport [6], PBI, large airport 20 miles north of Boca.

By rail

TriRail[10] - a regional commuter rail line connecting Boca Raton to Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach. There is a station on Yamato Road just west of I-95.

By bus

Palm Tran[11], Palm Beach County's main public transit system, includes Boca Raton. In particular, the city is connected to others in the county by three major north-south routes: Route 1, on US Highway 1; 2, on Congress Avenue; and 3, on Military Trail.

By water from the Atlantic Ocean

via Port Everglades [12] in Fort Lauderdale. This is a port of entry for cruise ships and other commercial vessels.

via Boca Raton Inlet. Vessels can enter Boca Raton through its inlet that connects the Atlantic Ocean to the IntraCoastal Waterway (ICW). Local knowledge is required, as shoaling outside the inlet can limit access at low tide and swift moving currents cause pretty decent swells where the outflow meets the ocean.

via Hillsboro Inlet, south of Boca Raton, between the communities of Hillsboro Beach and Pompano Beach. This inlet was much improved recently by widening the channel outside the jetties. The widening was extensive, and allows safer approaches into the inlet from more bearings. The inlet is well marked, and has a dredge on site actively keeping the channel clear by dredging the sand that drifts into all East Coast inlets from the North. Local knowledge is suggested, as there are reefs to the south and jetties and lots of boat traffic.

via the IntraCoastal Waterway (ICW), which stretches along the East Coast from Maine to Texas. The ICW flows through Boca Raton, and has no fixed bridges across it, just 3 draw bridges that open on schedule and/or on demand. The bridges across the ICW from North to South are at Spanish River Boulevard, Palmetto Park Road, and Camino Real Drive.

Get around

Your best bet for getting around is by car. Boca Raton is not particularly friendly to bicycle traffic, the public transportation serves a limited portion of the city, and overall it's not a very walkable city outside of the downtown area.

By car

Boca Raton is a car-friendly city. It is served by Interstate 95, the Florida Turnpike (a toll road), and several major thoroughfares including (from east to west), US Highway 1 (known locally as Federal Highway), Congress Avenue, Military Trail, Jog Road (known as Powerline Road in the southern portion of the city), and US 441/State Road 7. State Road A1A provides a scenic drive along the beach.

By bus

Palm Tran[17] buses serve Boca Raton. There is a major transfer location at the Town Center Mall, located on Glades Road near Military Trail. Buses cost $1.50 per trip (75 cents for students, seniors, the disabled and veterans) and run every 20-45 minutes, depending on the route.

By bike or foot

As mentioned above, Boca Raton is not particularly walkable, but it is perfectly safe to walk or bike short distances. The El Rio trail, east of I-95, is a shared-use trail that is somewhat scenic, but not particularly convenient from a traveling standpoint. There are very few bike racks in the city, and most are small.

See

Boca Raton Museum of Art, in the Mizner Park complex, most of which is an upscale mall. Some good items in the permanent collection, and often hosts some fine traveling exhibits. [18]

Concert and Live Show Venues:

Counte de Hoernle Amphitheater - This amphitheater is run by local philanthropists who contribute significant amounts to local and regional causes. The Amphitheatre hosts quite a variety of cultural events throughout the year. It is located near the Boca Raton Museum of Art in Mizner Park. Guests over the last few years have included Lynyrd Skynyrd and Jack Johnson.

Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, 1801 N. Ocean Blvd, Boca Raton, FL 33432. (561) 338-1473. A small but fun nature center by the beach. Admission is free and exhibits highlight South Florida's natural wildlife, including a boardwalk trail through mangroves, butterfly garden, several large saltwater tanks, a turtle rehab center and the Florida Atlantic University Research Labs and Galleries.

Movie theaters:

Cinemark Palace 20 - 3200 Airport Rd, Boca Raton, FL 33431. Great movie theater right off I-95 that closes very late. This is easily the most popular theater in Boca Raton. Shows all new movies including 3D, but no IMAX. The second floor is the Premier level including full bar and a restaurant.

iPic Theaters - 433 Plaza Real, Boca Raton, FL. (561) 393-3269. Upscale movie theater in Mizner Park, downtown Boca Raton. While the tickets are the most expensive in Boca, you're paying for a premium experience. The theater has a fancy club atmosphere with pre-selected seats, premium plush chairs and pillows, food service into the theater, and a Salt Lounge bar for drinks.

Living Room Theaters - an all-digital independent/art house movie theater on the campus of Florida Atlantic University, the only one of its kind on a college campus. Not only do they show movies neglected in the mainstream theaters but they also have bar and food service delivered to you during the movie. Best day to go is Monday or Tuesday. (http://fau.livingroomtheaters.com/)

Caldwell Theatre Company. 7901 North Federal Highway. 561-241-7432. Located on the west side of Federal Highway of north Boca Raton, the Caldwell Theatre Company opened its doors in December 1975 at the suggestion of James R. Caldwell, inventor of the rubber dustpan and founder of the Rubbermaid Corporation. Over the course of 34 years and four different locations, including its now permanent location in the Count de Hoernle Theatre, the Caldwell has been called South Florida’s “Cinderella Theatre” and Boca Raton’s “Jewel in the Crown.” [21]

Learn

Florida Atlantic University - Located along Glades Road (exit from I-95). Serving over 30,000 students, FAU is the largest university in Boca Raton and home to several Division I athletics programs. Notable features include on-campus football and basketball stadiums, a medical school, an art house movie theater and two university art galleries. (http://www.fau.edu/)

Lynn University - Located on Military Rd (exit Yamato from I-95). Private college serving nearly 3,000 students known for its diverse population, aeronautics program, music conservatory and exceptional Division II athletes.

Palm Beach State College (previously known as Palm Beach Community College) - Located on the campus of Florida Atlantic University and serving approximately 15,000 students[22] at its Boca campus, Palm Beach State College offers a variety of classes including continuing education courses. (http://www.palmbeachstate.edu/)

Digital Media Arts College, more commonly known as DMAC, is a private arts college that focuses on programs in Animation, Game Art Design, Graphic Design, Advertising Design and Visual effects animation. (http://www.dmac.edu)

Altogether Boca Raton campuses serve around 48,000 college students daily so Boca Raton tends to have a steady population of younger people as well.

Do

Indoor Fun

Griffin Gallery Ancient Art - Gallery Center, 608 Banyan Trail, specializing in artifacts and works of art that reflect a spectrum of the cultures of Antiquity. Free and open to the public.

Boomers - a family entertainment center where you can enjoy mini golf, laser tag, go karts and a full arcade.

The Burrow - 777 Glades Road. Florida Atlantic University's on-campus basketball arena, where it hosts Division I basketball games from November through March. Amenities include Club boxes, large video scoreboard, team store and concessions. FAU also brings a live owl (the school's mascot) around so people in the audience can take pictures with it.

Strikes @ Boca Bowling Alley - This bowling alley located at 21046 Commercial Trl, Boca Raton, FL 33486-1007 is the only bowling alley in Boca Raton. It's also a hotspot for college students in the area. It's located near the Town Center Mall so people tend to look around the mall and then head to the bowling alley.

Spa Palazzo - This spa is known for its array of therapeutic massages and steams, open 6 days a week in the Boca Raton Resort and Hotel.

Outdoor Fun

Boca Raton Resort & Club Amenities - Guests and members of this club can use their private golf courses and beaches as well as eat at the beautiful restaurants.

Coconut Cove Waterpark - 11200 Park Access Road, Boca Raton, FL 33498. (561) 274 - 1140. Open seasonally, this small community waterpark in west Boca Raton is home to a lazy river, slides and a water playground structure. A fun way to cool off for kids and families but not recommended for thrill-seekers. [23]

FAU Stadium - 777 Glades Road. A beautiful, beach-themed stadium hosting Division I college football games from August to December. Amenities include an open air bar, club seats and a view of the Atlantic Ocean from the upper levels. Concessions include Subway, Tomasso's italian (with special "Owl Ball", a meatball entree inside a garlic roll) Chicken Grill and local BBQ favorite Mississippi Sweets. Attendees are encouraged to wear blue and red and mingle with the FAU community; students tailgate in front of the stadium at the "Rat's Mouth" but tailgating can be found all over campus on gamedays.

Intracoastal - tour by boat, during the holidays or for special events, boat tours are available and captains will gladly drive you and your guests down the intercoastal. Tours are also available for sight seeing and a guided one to view celebrity houses from the water.

Mizner Park, 433 Plaza Real,(561) 362-0606. [24] Mizner Park has unique boutiques, sumptuous eateries, energizing music and inspiring art. It's an interesting place to walk around for a couple hours. This upscale shopping plaza is basically the crux of the otherwise dull Boca Raton downtown area.

Professional Sports in the area - There are no professional teams in Boca Raton, only college sports, which are the main attraction here. Pro teams can be found within an hour's drive: Miami Dolphins football (37 mi), Florida Panthers hockey (30.5 mi), Miami Heat basketball (48 mi) and Miami Marlins baseball (48 mi). Also consider the Royal Palm Polo Sports Complex (7.1 mi) where some of the world's top polo players play during the months of (Jan-Apr), as Boca Raton is known as the winter capital. Watching greyhound racing at the Palm Beach Kennel Club (24.4 mi) is also an option; as is the Dania Jai-Alai (29.6 mi) at Dania Beach.

Spanish River Beach - Easily the most popular beach, especially for younger crowds. Residents and tourists typically take Spanish River Blvd east towards A1A road and parallel park along NE Spanish River Blvd or at nearby Spanish River Park.

Notable Public Parks:

Patch Reef Park - 2000 Yamato Road Boca Raton, FL 33431- This park has great trails for bike riding and exercising. There are also tennis courts and basketball courts, in addition to open fields. There are classes taught at the recreational center, such as yoga and hip-hop. Also, the Boca Raton chapter of the World Adult Kickball Association holds games here on weekends. (http://www.ci.boca-raton.fl.us/rec/parks/patchreef.shtm)

Red Reef Park, [25]- A 67 Acre Oceanfront park including the 20 Acre Gumbo Limbo Environmental Education Center[26]. A fun and interesting feature of the beach is a rock outcropping and a series of small man-made reefs about 10 feet off shore, where even beginning snorkelers can enjoy swimming with small colorful tropical fish. The picnic area of the Park is equipped with grills, tables and restrooms, but the real attraction here is the snorkeling.

South County Regional Park - open from dawn-dusk with tennis courts, soccer fields, water park, and trails great for running. Arrangements can be made for picnic and private events. This park is very popular during the summer time as there are also camps available for children.

Sugar Sands Park, [27] is a great place to take the kids. It has an enormous fort/jungle gym, carousel, ball parks, etc.

Buy

Griffin Gallery Ancient Art, [29] specializes in artifacts and works of art that reflect a spectrum of the cultures of Antiquity. Among our treasures are pieces from Greece, Rome, Egypt, the Far East, the Near East, the Holy Land, Pre-Columbian cultures, and prehistoric Native America. Gallery Center, 608 Banyan Trail.

Boca Town Center Mall, [30] is the well-known high-end retail mall on Glades Road, just west of I-95 and east of Turnpike. The mall includes high end stores such as: Louis Vuitton, Burberry, and Tiffany&Co as well as many great restaurants.

Mizner Park, [31] is a chic mixed-used new urbanism district in a revitalized part of downtown Boca.

Budget

Cannoli Kitchen, (561) 338-2929, [37]. Pizzas (whole or by the slice-- they often have up to 2 dozen different varieties of pizza available by the slice at any one time!), pastas, and other good Italian in addition to the namesake cannoli deserts. Mostly take out or delivery, but they have a small counter if you want to eat there.

Lindburgers – West Boca, 9834 Glades Road, Phone: (561) 218-5557, [38]. Delivery: (561) 488-9665. Serves over 50 versions of their old-fashioned 7-ounce sirloin burgers. If you've ever tasted a hamburger fried in a cast-iron pan, you have a good idea of what goes on at Lindburgers.

Mississippi Sweets, 2399 N. Federal Hwy., just north of 20th Street on US 1. Reasonably-priced BBQ joint with genuine Southern-style cooking. BBQ is St. Louis-style.

Salad Creations, 5250 Town Center Circle Ste. 129, you choose all the ingredients you want in your salad or wrap.

Sal's New York Grill, 200 S. Federal Highway (561) 392-1969. New York Italian deli and similar dishes, breakfast, lunch, or diner.

Sieng House, 1001 S. W. 2nd Avenue, Suite 500 (Just off Camino Real west of Dixie Highway, next to the Walgreens). Good Chinese with extensive menu.

Tin Muffin, (561) 392-9446, 364 E Palmetto Park Rd. Sandwiches, quiches, soups, muffins and desserts served at this small breakfast and lunch restaurant. Outdoor tables as well as a few indoor tables.

Too Jay's 2200 West Glades Road. [40] Old style New York type deli, good quality, generous servings. Original location in Palm Beach; now a small chain around south and central Florida. Tel (561) 392-4181

Mid-range

Asian Grill Japanese and Chinese Restaurant, 10018 Spanish Isles Blvd. Bay A-2 Boca Raton, FL 33498, ☎(561) 883-3903, [1]. Home of the best Japanese and Chinese Take Out/Free Delivery in West Boca Raton area. Family owned and operated in two different locations for over 10 years.

Augy's Pizza Board Restaurant, 1501 NW Boca Raton Blvd, 368-1330. Dozens of daily specials. Local favorite for their stuffed artichoke, baked clams oreganata, along with the snapper Provencal, made with fresh tomatoes, garlic and white wine sauce. Located in East Boca North of Glades Rd on NW 2nd ave.

Bangkok in Boca, 500 Via De Palmas Ste 79, Phone: (561) 394-6912. Casual restaurant with live entertainment and outdoor seating, serving a menu full of rich authentic Thai curries with nearly fat free dishes, using the freshest ingredients in the area. Offering a wide selection of entrees with fresh seafood. Located south of Mizner Park off US1, in the Royal Palm Plaza.

Bullfish Raw Bar & Grill, 7036 W. Palmetto Park Road; Suite 64, 392-5040,[44] Casual, fun restaurant with a full bar & lounge and outdoor patio. Full menu for take out and delivery. Located in the Garden Shoppes of Boca Raton, there is a Large Secure Free Parking Lot across from Publix, available to all customers. Southwest corner of Palmetto & Powerline Rd in West Boca.

Curries & More 217 East Palmetto Park Rd. tel 392-29999. Indian food in South Florida. For those with nut allerigies, selected dishes can be made without cashew sauce.

Gary Woo's Asian Bistro, ☎(561) 368-8803, [2]. Unique Chinese restaurant that has real chefs from Chinatown in New York City. If you want authentic New York Chinese food in Boca Raton, you definitely need to check Gary Woo's. The food is fresh and traditional.

Houstans- 1900 NW Executive Center Cir. Boca Raton, FL 33431. This restaurant offers burgers, salads, and a variety of entrees. It is priced a big higher, but the food and service are both exceptional .

Kagura Japanese Restaurant, 5030 Champion Blvd Ste D8, Polo Shoppes (561) 241-5958, Delivery:(877) 632-5487. Specialties: Sushi Bar with full menu of Japanese Cuisine available for Dine in, Take out and Delivery.

Lilly's New Cuisine, 451 East Palmetto Park Rd, (561) 362-0208, Homemade pastas specialities including seafood and sausages for a one of a kind experience.

Mario's of Boca 2200 Glades Rd., Phone (561)392-5595, [46]. Popular Italian Bistro with an extensive menu of Southern and Northern Italian Cuisine for both lunch and dinner with a daily Lunch buffet. Located next to the Holiday Inn by I-95, Glades Rd and Military Trail with convenient take-out and delivery service.

Outback Steakhouse, 6030 S.W. 18th St., Boca Raton FL 33433, (561) 338-6283, [47]. Australian steakhouse concept open for dinner only. Serves beef and steak items, for a good portion of the menu. As well as a variety of chicken, ribs, seafood, and pasta dishes. Located just west of military trail on Sw 18th st. Convenient curbside take-out and NEW delivery service.

Punjab Indian Restaurant 1801 N Federal Hwy.,(561) 392-8000. Their lunch menu is extremely affordable and their dinner menu is on par. The lamb tandori is excellent and can be served mild or spicy. Vegetarian Indian vegan options as well. Located next to the Boca Inn in East Boca just north of Glades Rd.

""Stir Crazy- Located on 6000 Glades Rd Boca Raton, FL 33431 (In Boca Town Center Mall)- This restaurant offers Chinese, Japanese, Thai and Vietnamese food. People are given the option to stir fry food or order from the menu.

Sushi Thai Asian Bistro 100 NE Second St., (561) 750-4448. The list of sushi covers just about anything you could want, including a large variety of cooked rolls, tamaki and complete sushi/sashimi dinners. Appetizers include deep-fried lemongrass rolls, duck noodle soup, green papaya, tomato and shrimp salad. Favorites include Pad Thai and Pad Woonsen, and a dish called deep blue sea, with scallops, shrimp, mussels, fish and veggies. Just south of Mizner Park in East Boca Raton.

Watercolors, in the Boca Raton Bridge Hotel, 999 East Camino Real. (561) 368-9500. Nice restaurant and bar to visit when you want to relax, dance or just enjoy good food in a casual atmosphere. Overlooking Boca Raton inlet.

Splurge

Chops Lobster Bar- 101 Plaza Real S # H, Boca Raton, FL 33432-4855 (561) 395-2675- This restaurant has exceptional food and service, and it consistently ranks as one of the top ten steakhouses in the country. Exquisite seafood flown in fresh daily and the USDA prime aged beef is served in the warm ambiance of the dark wood dining room.

Max's Grille in Mizner Park- 404 Plaza Real Mizner Park, Boca Raton 33432 (561)368-0080- offers everything from steak to salmon and other great foods. This restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor eating, which is nice for nights that bands perform outside.

New York Prime- This is a hot steakhouse in Boca Raton features high-quality USDA Grade steak, fresh seafood, vegetables, and fine wine selections.

Ruth's Chris-225 Northeast Mizner Boulevard, Boca Raton - (561) 392-6746- The dining room is fantastic and the food (served a la carte) is exquisite. From the filets to the seafood, everything is a must. The desserts are worth the price.

Brewzzi Boca Raton, 2222 Glades Rd, (561) 392-2739, [56]An Italian American Bistro and Microbrewery in central Boca. Winning both gold and silver medals at the Great American Beer Fest 2000-2003, Brewzzi is the most honored brewery in Florida. In addition to the 2 for 1 Happy Hour (3PM-6:30PM, M-Th) serving the award winning beers as well as cocktails, there are also 2 for 1 drinks 9:30PM-Close daily. A good place to eat and drink.

Bullfish Sports Bar, 11379 W Palmetto Park Rd. Suite F, (561) 482-0052 ,Delivery (561) 488-9665, [57]Formally known as Packy's of Boca Raton, still a warm, family friendly bar that welcomes all NY Jets and NY Giants fans as well as other sports enthusiasts. Plenty to watch with 17 TVs, including 7 satellites. Nightly beer specials including All Day, All Night $2 Pints of Heineken. Karaoke night Thursdays. Tuesday Night kids special, free kids meal with purchase of adult entree. Located in the southeast corner of the Loggers Run Plaza in West Boca Raton.

Dubliner Irish Bar. 435 Plaza Real, Boca Raton, Fl 33432. Located in Mizner Park, the Dubliner is one of the most popular bars in downtown Boca Raton. However, it's in a somewhat small space so the place is almost always packed. [58]

Holloway's Pub, 504 Via de Palmas, (561) 361-8445, Anyone thinking that Boca Raton is pretentious hasn't been to Holloway's Pub just south of Palmetto Park Rd. on Federal Highway, in the Royal Palm Place shopping center in East Boca Raton. Fun place, very laid back, friendly atmosphere. Live music from Walt Rooney every Friday night, starting at 9PM. Karaoke every Saturday night at 9PM. Lunch served daily, prime rib special on Fridays. Closes at 2AM every night.

College Bars

The Funky Buddah Lounge and Brewery. 2621 North Federal Highway Boca Raton, FL 33431. (561) 368-464. A college student hotspot, the Funky Buddah has won local awards for both Best Beer Bar and Best Hookah Bar. It often hosts Open Mic, comedy shows and local bands. [59]

The Irishmen. 1745 Northwest Boca Raton Boulevard Boca Raton, FL 33432.(561) 368-1129. Bills itself as a "neighborhood Irish sports pub" for all but frequented by college students, especially on Mondays for College Night. Occasionally has live entertainment and beer pong tournaments. [60]

Club Boca - Located on Military Trail, this nightclub is the primary spot for dancing in the area. There are certain nights where ladies drink free or are free of charge.

New York Comedy Club - 8221 Glades Road, Boca Raton, FL 33434 (http://www.nyccboca.com/) Chelsea Lately, Flo Hernandez, and other famous comedians have been known to visit the comedy club.

Sleep

Boca Raton Bridge Hotel, 999, East Camino Real, (866) 909-BOCA (2622), [62] Overlooking the Boca Raton Inlet by A1A, Originally known as The Bridge Hotel, Boca's second-oldest, albeit, fully renovated hotel. The pet-friendly Boca Raton Bridge Hotel offers resort-style accommodations close to the beach. Guests are within walking distance of South Inlet Park and two miles from various museums and an outdoor shopping malls including Mizner Park.

Boca Resort and Spa, 501 East Camino Real, (888) 491-2622, [63] World–renowned Florida spa resort includes the tallest building in the city (and pink stucco, too), world class dining, as well as providing beachfront and intercoastal access with Professional Golf Course.

This is a usable article. It has information for getting in as well as some complete entries for restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please plunge forward and help it grow!